Real Madrid are reportedly ready to challenge bitter rivals Barcelona for Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte. Los Blancos are targeting the defender as cover for Raphael Varane and skipper Sergio Ramos.
A report from Mundo Deportivo (h/t Mikael McKenzie of the Daily Express) has reported the interest from familiar foes Real and Barca. However, McKenzie noted how the Blaugrana may have the edge thanks to the presence of manager Ernesto Valverde, who worked with Laporte at Athletic Bilbao.
Yet he also detailed how Mundo Deportivo revealed Laporte would supplant Nacho and Jesus Vallejo as the primary backup for starting duo Ramos and Varane.